Head over to Post HQ this week and you’ll find the desks empty and the phones silent.
But don’t worry – the news team hasn’t abandoned its duties.
Students from Barking & Dagenham College are taking over the Post for one week. They, alongside the Post’s own journalists, will produce your next issue directly from the college, using skills and ideas the team honed during a string of mentoring sessions.
The past few weeks have seen the takeover team learn some of the basics: reporting, editing, photography, video production and selling adverts.
And for the last seven days the students have been shadowing the Post’s journalists and news editor.
Insight
Now it’s time for them to get into the driving seat.
“I’m looking forward to learning different skills and having fun putting my own twist on the paper,” said Emillie Rix, 17.
“I’m autistic,” added Blaine Hickey, 16. “I want to show autistic people can do good things too.” For some it’s more than just a productive way to spend seven days.
“I want to take these skills into a possible career in journalism,” explained 16-year-old Michael Morar, the youngest face on the team. “I’m looking forward to learning how a paper is run and taking those skills into the future,” said Sam Dixon, 17.
Between today (Wednesday) and Tuesday, the takeover team will conduct interviews, take photos, write stories and make decisions about their very own edition, which will go on sale on June 4.
You’ll still find all the local news, features, sport and entertainment you expect – but there’ll be some new names alongside the familiar ones.
“I want to make a difference and represent the college,” said Rheanna Stiles, 17.
The students will also be taking over the Post website and its Facebook and Twitter pages.
Eryngyn Shkjeza, 19, said: “I want to experience the editor and reporter roles in the paper to see if this is a career I might be interested in.”
As for me, I can’t wait to get stuck in to see what we can create.
Read more:
Create Your Future: Barking & Dagenham College students experience life at the Post
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